Happy New Year! Explore what’s happening in your Ottawa County Parks this January.





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January

Scroll down for park news, upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. Thanks for reading! 

*Quick Links* [ [link removed] ]


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Park News - Blue
Kick off the New Year with the 2026 Scavenger Hunt

The 2026 Scavenger Hunt runs all year, with seasonal clues leading to four mystery county parks. Be the first to find a hidden token and win $250 (registration required). Follow the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] and Kris Reinhardt [ [link removed] ] on Facebook for early access to clues.

*Register for the Scavenger Hunt* [ [link removed] ]

Scavenger Hunt Banner [ [link removed] ]

This year's event is made possible through the Foundation's collaboration with sponsor Kris Reinhardt, whose idea and support helped bring the Scavenger Hunt to life.

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Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recommends funding for two projects in Ottawa County Parks

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board has recommended a total of $800,000 in funding for two Ottawa County Parks projects: $400,000 for improvements at Rosy Mound Natural Area and $400,000 for the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail. 

*Read the Full Story* [ [link removed] ]


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Registration for Spring Break Camp is Open

April 6-10 • Hager Park

Camp filled fast last year! Secure your spot today.

Calling all young explorers (ages 6-13)! Join Ottawa County Parks’ Spring Break Camp for a week packed with outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and nature discovery.

✅ Full-day care (8 am-5:30 pm)
✅ Sibling discounts
✅ Experienced, caring staff

*Register for Camp* [ [link removed] ]

Spring Break Camp [ [link removed] ]
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Tour our Venues!

From January through April, Ottawa County Parks is offering open house opportunities at select locations for anyone interested in touring our indoor event facilities. Whether you are considering a future reservation or already have an event booked, you are welcome to stop in, explore the space, and speak directly with one of our Reservation Specialists.

*View Full Schedule* [ [link removed] ]


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Closures

The lower parking lots and the Lodge (including restrooms) at Grand Ravines North are closed January-February. 

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Upcoming Events - Blue
Out of this World Exhibition 

January 2 - February 21 • Holland Area Arts Council
Out of this World Exhibit Graphic [ [link removed] ]
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Coffee with the Birds 

Jan 10 • 9:30 AM-12 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Enjoy coffee provided by Aldea Coffee [ [link removed] ] and baked goodies as you watch and learn about the birds at the feeders inside the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing.

*Event Details & Registration* [ [link removed] ]

Coffee with the Birds Livestream [ [link removed] ]

Want to watch from home? These events are also live streamed on the Ottawa County Parks YouTube channel, thanks to Rick Veldman with Point of Light Media who provides professional live-streaming services.

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Reclaiming Real Relationships

Jan 14 • 6 PM • Ridge Point Church

Outdoor Discovery Center Network’s Unplugged Speaker Series [ [link removed] ] kicks off next week with best-selling author Catherine Price, whose work focuses on helping individuals and families build healthier relationships with technology. The speaker series is free and open to the community.

Unplugged Speaker Series [ [link removed] ]
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MNFI Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series

Tuesday evenings • February 10, 17, 24 • 6-8 pm

Learn more about vernal pools and how you can help monitor and protect these fascinating and important wetlands across Michigan. This virtual training [ [link removed] ] will provide information and resources to those interested in participating in the Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol monitoring program. 

Vernal Pool Patrol [ [link removed] ]
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Programs
Featured Programs

Click here [ [link removed] ] for a full list of programs coming up in Ottawa County Parks!





Life Beyond Earth
Life Beyond Earth

Jan 10 • 7-8 PM [ [link removed] ]• [ [link removed] ] Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Join Mike Long as he discusses the latest missions investigating possibility of life in other celestial bodies, followed by observatory and telescope viewing of the night sky (weather/cloud cover permitting). "Registration is appreciated. [ [link removed] ] "







Above and Below the Snow
Above and Below the Snow

Jan 17, 10 AM-12 PM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Let's learn about animals in winter! Have you ever heard of a secret kingdom for animals? How about a swim under the ice or a muddy sleeping bag? We will investigate these mysteries and more at Winter Nature Buds. "Registration is required [ [link removed] ] (ages 6-9)."



Nature Journaling
Introduction to Nature Journaling

Jan 17, 1-2:30 PM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Many of us seek ways to better connect with nature. We want to learn its patterns and secrets, help protect its inhabitants, and gain an understanding of our place within it. Nature journaling helps us do this and you do not need to know anything about nature, drawing, or writing to begin!" Registration is required. [ [link removed] ]"



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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission | 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan 49460 | 616-738-4810

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Visit miottawa.org/parks [ [link removed] ] to learn more about the 7,000+ acres of parks and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded by grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you invest $26 annually in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. *Thank you!*

*All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
Chairperson Josh Brugger | Vice-Chairperson Phil Kuyers | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Jordan Jorritsma | Allison Miedema | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | John Teeples | Kendra Wenzel | Doug Zylstra

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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